Senior Payroll & Benefits Analyst (Hybrid)

Aptive; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aptive is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Sr. Analyst to support payroll operations and benefits administration in a dynamic, multi-state government contracting environment.

This role focuses on accurate, compliant payroll processing across biweekly and semi-monthly cycles, while maintaining strict financial oversight and audit readiness. Hybrid work is preferred and the position partners with People Operations to deliver a high-quality employee experience with strong internal controls and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of progressive payroll experience, including full-cycle payroll processing.
• Experience with Service Contract Act (SCA) compliance and fringe/H&W administration.
• Hands‑on experience with ADP and Unanet.
• Experience managing benefits vendors and complex invoice reconciliations.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and financial controls.
• Advanced Excel proficiency and strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to support employees professionally and responsively.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to partner effectively across Finance and People Operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle payroll processing for salaried, hourly, and contract employees across biweekly and semi-monthly pay cycles.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Administer payroll tax filings, garnishments, deductions, statutory remittances, and year-end reporting (W-2s, 1099s).
• Reconcile payroll to the general ledger and project cost structures within Unanet, ensuring alignment with financial reporting.
• Establish, document, and strengthen internal payroll controls to mitigate financial and compliance risk.
• Maintain payroll system integrity across ADP and Unanet, including audits of data accuracy and system updates.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, and audit-ready.
• Partner with People Operations on employee lifecycle changes, ensuring timely and accurate compensation and fringe updates.
• Serve as primary liaison with benefits administrators, brokers, and third-party vendors.
• Oversee enrollments, eligibility tracking, and life event changes in coordination with People Operations.
• Track and reconcile H&W hours, fringe allocations, excess dollars, and premium invoices with a strong focus on financial accuracy.
• Administer ICHRA programs, ensuring accurate eligibility validation, stipend reconciliation, and funding controls.
• Conduct detailed invoice reviews and reconciliations to ensure alignment between payroll deductions, employer contributions, and vendor billing.
• Support open enrollment and employee benefits communications with a service-oriented approach.
• Ensure compliance with Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determinations and fringe requirements.
• Maintain well-documented, audit-ready payroll and benefits processes.
• Generate payroll, fringe, and benefits reporting for Finance leadership and executive review.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring payroll-related entries are timely and accurate.
• Contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
• Assist with preparation and filing of corporate tax installments and related administrative filings.
• Support coordination with external tax advisors and auditors.
• Maintain organized payroll and financial documentation to support regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Provide support for financial reporting and broader compliance initiatives as needed.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Payroll accounting

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Customer service orientation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field

Equivalent experience

Tools

ADP

Unanet

Job description

Aptive is seeking a Payroll & Benefits Sr. Analyst to support payroll operations and benefits administration in a dynamic, multi-state government contracting environment.

This role focuses on accurate, compliant payroll processing across biweekly and semi-monthly cycles, while maintaining strict financial oversight and audit readiness. Hybrid work is preferred and the position partners with People Operations to deliver a high-quality employee experience with strong internal controls and